For many sibling caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), butting heads and disagreeing may be common. Even when siblings normally get along well, the challenges of caring for an adult parent with AD seems to lend itself to frustration, anger and hurt between many siblings.
For siblings and other family caregivers working toward conflict resolution, here are some tips suggested by professional therapists;
•Be open, listen to each other’s opinions and even if you disagree, support each other’s emotions
•Try to avoid passing judgement and listen for the underlying feelings being expressed
•Make it clear that you respect each other’s opinions and feelings
•Evaluate yourself for any judgements or inflexibility in decision making
•Recognize and admit your limits and set boundaries around what you are and are not willing to do-don’t judge others’ boundaries, everyone is different
•Be realistic, check your expectations of yourself and of siblings and other family members
•Delegate tasks to people outside the family willing to help and/or paid assistance when needed
•Set realistic short and long term goals by working together and compromising
•Give up the need to always be right-ask yourself; would I rather get along or be right?
•Attend support groups together or individually-whichever works best for you and your sibling/s
•When you meet an impasse, ask a neutral person to listen to both sides and give feedback
•Don’t give up on striving to resolve conflict, seek out professional help if necessary.
Another vital aspect of caregiving is to seek out education about the disease. Learn how other family members resolve conflict and handle the many stressors that accompany caregiving of a loved one with AD.
Be sure to CLICK HERE to sign up for our FREE 25 lesson course for AD caregivers at AlzU.org.
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